I am going to Belize in July and am travelling independently and would appreciate any good tips on safe places to stick to and cheap accomodations. Any must sees?? Thanks!

kim- <BR>I was in Belize during christmas break and I stayed on the island, Ambergris Caye. It was alot of fun exploring and there are a fair amount of cheap places to stay. I wouldn't suggest staying in Belize City, it seemed unsafe. Make sure you go snorkling in the coral reef, 2nd largest next to Australia! AmbergrisCaye.com is a great website for more info.

Kim, do a search on this forum - there are a few other notes on Belize. I know I've posted a few. I liked Ambergris Caye and we stayed at Ruby's Hotel - it's a budget hotel in town, very clean and 2 years ago, it was $25 US for a double in high season. During July it's probably quite cheap. It's friendly, family owned and clean. I think we had room 14, which had windows on 2 sides - important because it was hot hot hot! (There was also a fan.) There was a guy called Manuel who operated snorkeling trips off the dock at Ruby's - he was excellent and very good value. You'll probably hear from lots of people who like Caye Caulker - they consider Ambergris too commercialized, but I definitely preferred Ambergris. Wasn't crazy about Placencia (I have written about that in the past) - not a great beach and it just didn't seem worth going back to it. We stayed in San Ignacio - can't remember the name of the hotel, but it was in a cabin overlooking town. Very reasonable, but a bit of a walk into town. We went through a cave in canoes - that was fun and quite an experience. Unfortunately we didn't go to Tikal (just across the border) - I would have liked to do so, but we ran out of time. We did go to the ruins just near San Ignacio - that was interesting. Stay away from Belize City - it's quite a rough town and there's not a lot to see, although the zoo outside of Belize City is cool. That was worthwhile. The people in Belize are the most friendly I've ever met - quite wonderful. Have fun.

First, let me say that as far as safe goes, it was my impression while there that you're pretty safe everywhere outside of Belize City (which isn't worth your time, anyway). The best thing about Belize, in my mind, was the people. I can honestly say they were about the most friendly of anywhere I've traveled. The not so great thing is the beaches. If you're looking to lounge on the beach, you could do better. But, if you want to snorkel or scuba, it is amazing. Shark alley and hol chan were both very exciting, but if you are on a budget, just grab a mask and head out to the reef. The whole length of it is just as full of life, and with fewer divers. Also, I have to say I made my arrangements through a travel service and regreted it. The people who got the cheapest rates at the resorts were walking in right off the beach. Beyond that, i'd say splurging on dinner at Capricorn was definately worth it, and the couple that run the place are worth walking over there to meet and have drinks with either way. Oh, and if you can, go to Tikal. It's unlike anything else you'll ever see.

San Pedro is very safe. I went with a girlfriend and we felt very comfortable walking alone at night. We had a BLAST on San Pedro. People are very friendly and helpful. You really should book a tour with Tanisha Tours as they do Ecotours up the rivers for a look at wildlife. Be sure to snorkel Mexico Rocks and eat lobster pizza at Ambergris Delight. I loved Ambergris Caye so much that the minute I returned (6/21) I got right on the internet and booked a return trip for July. I like having a kitchen in the unit when I travel so it costs about $600/wk. There are motels in San Pedro for about $45/nt. We had a positive experience with all dive/tour operators. Have a terrific time and Email me if you have any questions. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I live in Belize and travel on my own all the time. Ambergris Caye is our most socially active desntination with the largest selection of hotels, restaurants/bars and people. Most people feel a high degree of personal safety and I've spent lots of time there alone without any problems. People are friendly and you'l meet other travelers and Belizeans to hang with. <BR> <BR>Katie Valk <BR>Maya Travel Services